5 cool things you can do with a connected car and your smartphone

Using a Car Connection 1.0 or CarLink adapter

Alexander H.

I've driven all over -- up, down, and coast to coast -- and my best memories all have a soundtrack. Music is something I don't leave home without, and after enduring my fair share of crummy systems, I know that quality gear makes a long drive a joy. On those golden days, when the windows just have to go down, I need power and speakers that can handle it.

While I've clocked a lot of highway miles, I've also logged a lot of hours demoing car speakers from the best in the industry. And I've installed those speakers in a variety of vehicles, from sport coupes to minivans. Every listening environment is unique, every series of speakers has its own sonic stamp, and speakers perform differently depending how they're used. And while it's easy to get overwhelmed by specs, my best advice is to ask yourself. what's gonna put the biggest grin on your face when you just gotta turn it up?

More about Alexander

Started at Crutchfield in 2014

Completed our thorough in-house Advisor training, learning the details of every type of product we sell

Attends dozens of vendor training events each year

Has interviewed car speaker engineers and product designers at JL Audio and other premium audio companies

Authored dozens of Crutchfield articles and a variety of product presentations

What is a connected car?

A connected car is simply a car that uses data to engage the outside world without the driver getting involved. Your car is basically a computer on wheels at this point, so there's a lot of data at your disposal. Its location, speed, direction, and engine performance — these are all data points, and they've only been useful inside of the vehicle... until now.

With the Audiovox Car Connection 1.0 or the Voxx CarLink ASCL4 plugged into the OBD-II port (located in most cars under the steering wheel), you'll be able to sync your smartphone with your car's onboard computer to perform operations inside and outside your vehicle, including the following five cool things...

1. Understand your "Check Engine" codes

A "check engine" warning can mean a wide variety of things, but these devices empower drivers with the specifics via their corresponding app. You'll be able to check out the details of each warning on your phone so you can discern if you have a problem that needs immediate attention or not. The modules also go as far as offering monthly diagnostic reports with tips for improving your car’s health.

2. Keep your teen driver safe and limit their phone use

Ease parental stress by using these modules to create geo-boundaries for your teen’s car. If the car travels outside of an approved zone, you’ll receive an alert. You’ll also be able to monitor the car’s location remotely. If distractions are your worry, use the ZoomSafer® app to block your teen’s texting and emailing capabilities on select smartphones when the car’s in motion. And if necessary, a message will be sent informing the sender of any in-bound text that the driver is busy.

3. Start your car with your phone

If you have a compatible remote start system installed in your car, these devices let you use your Apple® or Android™ device to start the ignition from a distance. That’s pretty handy when you’re running late and your key fob is on the other side of the house. Plus, there’s no greater luxury than climbing into a warm car on an ice-cold morning, especially when a certain someone isn’t happy about getting into his carseat.

4. Fleet management and tracking vehicles

If you’re in charge of a fleet of vehicles, keep a tab on your drivers’ locations and driving patterns. These modules provide the location, direction, speed, and history of your vehicles, and if needed, you'll also be able to see vehicle history for the past 24 hours. Overall, you'll have better data to determine how much your fleet is costing you and when it’s time for maintenance for each vehicle. The Car Connection 1.0's website lets you manage up to 20 different devices from one account.

5. Contact your car team in an emergency

The CarLink provides crash support in the event of an accident. Agents are on hand 24/7 to contact local authorities. Additionally, CarLink’s Emergency Response Center offers a variety of roadside assistance services as well as providing you with your car’s current location for a police report if it’s stolen. Then again, there’s always the chance that you just forgot where you parked, and in that case, both devices can guide you back to your car with simple directions on your smart device.

More ways to stay connected

Every month, we see more products in an array of categories like portable navigation, dash cams, and remote start that embrace connectivity for the best possible driving experience. For the latest and greatest products, give us a call and speak to one of our advisors.